Base Launches Azul Upgrade on May 28, Reduces Empty Blocks 99%, Enables 5,000 TPS

According to Base, the Ethereum Layer 2 network launched the Azul mainnet upgrade on May 28, activating multiproofs and improving network security and scalability. The upgrade combines Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proof technology, allowing withdrawals to be finalized in as little as one day.

Over the past two months, empty blocks on the network declined by approximately 99%, dropping from around 200 per day to roughly two per day. The network sustained throughput bursts of up to 5,000 transactions per second. Base also integrated the latest Osaka execution-layer specifications to align with Ethereum standards. Node operators must migrate to the new client infrastructure before activation, while most applications are expected to continue operating without changes.